The Potential Dangers of Avocados and How to Avoid Them

Have you increased your avocado intake since going low carb and suffered from the dreaded "avocado hand"? These delicious, fatty green fruits are becoming increasingly popular. But, with the rise of its popularity, the injuries connected to the avocado have also increased:

According to the Chicago Tribune, avocado consumption has increased by 250 percent since 2002. There aren't reliable statistics on how many Americans have been injured cutting an avocado, but emergency rooms report that it is becoming more frequent.

In New Zealand, an average of 100 people a year who have cut themselves while handling an avocado request compensation from a government fund for injuries.

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons called for safety labels on the fruit. One London doctor said he was treating four patients a week for avocado-related injuries.

The Washington Post: A new, easy-to-peel avocado promises to send fewer people to the ER. There's just one problem

The problem The Washington Post identifies is that avocado-related injuries result from the knife slipping and cutting the hand when cooks are trying to remove the pit. An avocado that is easier to peel, like the one covered in the article, obviously doesn't solve this issue. Many companies have developed products that do address it. On the market, you can now find specially designed avocado slicers, and other companies have even developed new types of avocados. There's now a so-called " cocktail avocado " on the market that doesn't have a pit at all. Alas, it only grows in Spain and is only available in December.

If you don't live in Spain and want to enjoy avocados more frequently than only in the month of December, just be careful when preparing your avocado. Always cut the avocado in half on a flat surface, preferably on a cutting board, and never in the palm of your hand. Cut around the fruit, down to the pit, and twist the two halves apart. Then, (still on the cutting board folks!) nestle the half with the pit in a folded tea towel so it does not slip, carefully position fingers, take a gentle whack at the pit with the flat blade of your knife, twist the knife sideways, and the pit will come out. This way, you can always enjoy avocados without the risk of a trip to the emergency room!